Basic Information Technology Knowledge
There are several types of OS for our daily computer usage, most common OS which is being used is Windows operating system. As we know in common that we always use the “Start” button in our windows system, that is the place we start our programs within the Windows operating system, that is the place where we bring up the programs by entering the executable name following “.exe” to run the specific program by using command based launch; cmd.exe, calc.exe, notepad.exe and etc.
In the very beginning of the IT age, most people get to use the command line in launching specific program after another program, but in today GUI platform, most of the programs is launched by clicking the icon or shortcut which is in graphical user interface mode, where you see the picture icon and launch it by left click on the icon. Obviously most of the launched program is providing another GUI platform that is what as we know as File, Edit, View, Tools, Help at the top menu on most of the programs.
Within every top menu command, File tab is the most commonly used for saving files, doing printing, and reading the properties of the file, also for exiting the program by Exit command. Within Edit command we see the common copy, cut, past command. For view command we can turn on specific view options on our opened programs, to view status bar for example. We can adjust the options under Tools command, normally most of the format of size and font is to be found there. For Help command we can learn the basic function of each programs, and also we can use F1 key on our keyboard to trigger that Help command for each program.
It is a necessary to know the basic function of the operation system for the programs that we launch, although it seems complicated to remember, as time goes by, we gradually get used to the basic command of each program, we might remember them as the common basic command for each program that we use.
For Windows 7 we can key in the cmd.exe or cmd after we click the “start” button and the program shortcut will be listed to be run by left clicking on the listed cmd.exe shortcut or icon. For older version of Windows, we have to input “command” without quote into the RUN field after we click the start then choose RUN.
What is actually CMD is?
CMD is the command prompt for user to input command, another meaning is to do another operation by inputing command to the black screen (command prompt) as we see normally. Many commands can be used at command prompt where we never know as a basic Windows user. Most of the computer troubleshooting is being solved at command prompt, whereas not all GUI has offered the troubleshooting function as command prompt does. In the later topic we will discuss more about command prompt function and its advantages over GUI interface.
Information technology (IT) foundation is a term used to describe the fundamental knowledge and skills required to work in the field of information technology. Here are some key areas of IT foundation:
Computer hardware and software: Understanding the components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to install, maintain and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
Networking: Understanding how networks function, including protocols, topologies, and communication techniques. Knowledge of networking is essential to connect computers and devices and to enable data sharing.
Operating systems: Understanding how operating systems work, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Knowledge of operating systems is essential to ensure smooth and efficient operation of computer systems.
Security: Understanding the principles of information security, including threat analysis, risk management, and access control. Knowledge of security is essential to protect computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Database management: Understanding how to create, manage, and query databases, including data modeling, normalization, and SQL queries.
Programming: Understanding basic programming concepts, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++. Programming knowledge is essential to develop software and automate tasks.
Web development: Understanding how to design and develop web applications using languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
These are just a few of the areas covered in IT foundation, and there are many more specialized fields and technologies within IT that require additional knowledge and skills. A strong foundation in these areas is essential for anyone looking to start a career in information technology.
Information technology (IT) refers to the use of computers, software, and networks to store, process, and transmit data. Here are some basic concepts in information technology:
Hardware: The physical components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and peripherals (e.g. keyboard, mouse, monitor).
Software: The programs and applications that run on a computer system, such as operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, Linux), productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), and specialized software (e.g. design software, programming languages).
Networks: The connection of multiple devices (e.g. computers, servers, printers) that can communicate and share resources with each other, either through a physical connection (e.g. Ethernet cable) or wirelessly (e.g. Wi-Fi).
Information security: The protection of computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This includes practices such as password protection, firewalls, encryption, and regular backups.
Database management: The organization, storage, and retrieval of data using a database management system (DBMS), which allows users to create, modify, and query data in a structured manner.
Cloud computing: The delivery of computing services (e.g. servers, storage, databases, software) over the internet, allowing users to access these services remotely without having to maintain their own infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines, such as natural language processing, image recognition, and machine learning.
These are just a few of the basic concepts in information technology, and there are many more areas and specialized fields within IT that require more in-depth knowledge and skills.